What does port flapping indicate in a network?

Port flapping refers to a situation where a network port on a switch rapidly alternates between an active and inactive state. This behavior typically signifies an intermittent connectivity issue between the client and the switch. When a port flaps, it can disrupt communications because the devices connected through that port experience consistent on-off states, leading to instability in the network connection.

In the context of a network, such a problem might arise from issues like cable faults, physical interference, or configuration errors. It’s essential for network administrators to address port flapping promptly, as it can affect overall network performance and reliability.

The other options do not accurately describe the specifics of port flapping in a network. A faulty wireless connection pertains more to radio signal issues rather than wired connections, while high latency in data transmission relates to slow response times rather than connectivity on/off states. Excessive bandwidth usage focuses on network traffic management rather than connectivity stability.